Why sex stories are such a turn on for women and where to read erotic fiction online

Looking to spice things up in the bedroom? Then sex stories could help you get in the mood. Anyone who has read erotic fiction will know that the genre can inspire you to explore a new fantasy or simply get turned on. They can help whether you're planning some hot solo time or are keen to boost the intimacy in your relationship. 

If you've always been a little shy about reading sex stories, you might be surprised to learn that they're actually incredibly popular and often outsell other literary staples. Romance publisher Mills & Boon reports that erotic fiction outsells sci-fi, mystery, and literary novels, with a readership that is 84% female.

To help you get in on the action, we've answered all your burning questions—including why it's such a turn-on for women, where to access erotic fiction online and how to write your own steamy scenes. So, if you've got your hands on the best vibrator and have tried bondage for beginners, but want to take your sex life one step further, here's everything you need to know...

What are sex stories?

Sex stories are also known as erotic fiction, erotica or adult fiction. "Erotic fiction is stories written about the development of a romantic relationship through sexual interaction," says Jessica Leoni, an erotic fiction author who is also a sex and relationship expert with the dating site IllicitEncounters.com. "The sex is an inherent part of the story, character growth, and relationship development, and couldn’t be removed without damaging the storyline."

While porn for women can be incredibly empowering and make you feel good, erotic fiction shouldn't be confused with it. Sex stories may still inspire you to try out some of the best sex positions, but there is often much more to the storyline. "Erotic fiction is different from porn which are stories or scenes written for the sole purpose of sexual gratification," explains Leoni. "Plot, character development and romance are not primary to the stories often portrayed in porn.

"While sex does play a key role in erotica, the sex itself is secondary to the development of the characters and plot. A good erotica writer knows that, no matter how great the sex is, there still needs to be a good, solid story if one wants to hold a reader’s interest."

Why are sex stories such a turn on for women?

Feel yourself getting hotter when reading—or even thinking—about sex stories? That's perfectly normal. Erotica has been scientifically proven to increase women's sex drive. "According to a scientific study by researcher Dr Harold Leitenberg in The Journal of Sex Research, women who read romance or erotic novels have 74% more sex with their partners than those who don't," says Leoni.

"This, Dr Leitenberg says, is because women fantasize more frequently and have more intense and realistic sexual fantasies when they read suggestive content. He concludes that not only were women readers having more sex, but they were also having better sex because they and their partners were more adventurous and playful."

Erotic fiction can also inspire women to experiment with female masturbation and find out what turns them on and off. This may include discovering what they might like to role-play with a partner, or perhaps how to use one of the best rabbit vibrators in a way that helps them reach an incredible climax.

Why sex stories are a great way to empower women

"When most people think of erotic literature today, the first thing that likely springs to mind is Fifty Shades of Grey, a series that has been criticized for its depiction of the main female character Anastasia Steele," says Leoni. "These books have certainly encouraged conversation about sex, kink—including BDSM and bondage— and sexuality. However, the image it presents, of a shy, 'fragile' woman who must meet a dominating, unstable and more sexually experienced man, is ultimately not empowering."

That said, times are changing. "It’s clear that women can be—and are—empowered by erotic literature," notes Leoni. "In polls, high percentages of women report feeling sexually empowered by reading erotica. In fact, there are lots of erotic books that can be quite sexy and sexual without demeaning women and can even empower women. You need to look for books with a central female character who is both sexually active and in charge of her own life and desires."

Where's safe to read sex stories online?

You may think finding a steamy read will be hard—and that you'll end up with porn adverts popping up on your computer for weeks afterward. But, rest assured, it's a lot easier to find good quality sex stories than you might think. "Accessing erotic fiction is easy—there are so many fantastic books for you to enjoy," reveals Leoni. "Amazon is as good a place to start as anywhere. It has a fantastic erotic fiction section with most of the best writers featured."

Just like when reading standard books, you should go back for more once you find writing that works for you. "The key to enjoyment is finding an author you like and then going through their back catalog," suggests Leoni. "Most good erotic authors have dozens of titles to their names because erotic novels tend to be shorter than conventional novels."

Still not sure what to look for? "You can pick up new recommendations through reading reviews which often highlight other writers who explore similar themes," adds Leoni. "Plus, adult sites such as Lovehoney have a good range of erotic books and feature best-selling erotic authors, such as Annabelle Knight, who has a loyal readership."

What's more, you don't need to part with any cash to read sex stories. "There's a lot of excellent free erotic fiction online," shares Leoni. "Sites such as Inkitt.com have dozens of free stories. It will enable you to dip your toe into the erotic fiction water and decide if it is for you." However, you do often get what you pay for. "The best writers protect their work and charge for their books to be read online," she adds. "All good book shops have erotic fiction sections featuring the best authors."

How sex stories can spice up your love life

Sex stories can do more than just turn you on—they can get your partner in the mood too. From helping introduce new types of play into the bedroom, including providing the opportunity to try out some of the best sex scenes, here's Leoni's tips on how to seduce a partner using erotic fiction...

• Enjoying it together—"Reading sex stories aloud can be a great way of talking 'dirty' without actually having to come up with your own text. Select a page, paragraph or sequence within a book that resonates with you, place a bookmark on that page, and keep it on your bedside table. The next time you and your other half are about to hop into bed, ask them if you can read them an X-rated excerpt from the book you've got on the go. You might be surprised at how interested they'll be. Just remember to take it seriously and leave the giggling aside."
• Getting in the mood—"For women, the excitement and readiness for sex don't always happen instantly. Reading erotic fiction is a great way to get in the mood. It turns your mind and body on, which is great for foreplay."
• Introducing you to the world of sex toys—"It's no coincidence that sales of sex toys have drastically increased along with the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey, and adult sites such as Lovehoney have developed a range of official products with the trilogy’s author E L James. Erotica opens up people's minds to all the toys that are out there and introduces readers to new ideas when it comes to sex."
• Encouraging experimentation—"By reading erotic fiction, you not only get new ideas, but these ideas become normalized and comfortable. It's as if you've gone through the experience already through reading, so turning an idea into reality no longer seems so out of the box or embarrassing." 

How to write your own erotic fiction

Want to unleash your inner sex writer? We don't blame you. "The best sex stories are rooted in fact, so if you're thinking of trying your hand at erotic fiction, it is worth revisiting some of the most exciting sexual encounters you have enjoyed in your life," says Leoni. 

Worried the only exciting thing that happens with your partner is finding a parking space close to the shops? Don't worry. "These can obviously be tweaked to add more spice when you are writing them down," adds Leoni. "And by all means, explore your own fantasies—such as sex in the shower or sex outside. Chances are they will appeal to other women, too." Here's her advice on penning your own steamy scenes:

• Respect the reader—"You want to move people between the ears as much as between the legs. That means applying the same attention and regard to writing about sex as anything else you would write. Assume that the reader wants something more than just a vehicle for jerking off. That means character development, a good plot and great dialogue."
• Avoid cliches—"Don’t say that he pounded her like a jackhammer or that she lay back, spent. Tell the reader something they have never heard before."
• Less is more—"Don’t overdo the adjectives and flowery language. The emotional dynamics of the lead characters are as important as the sex."
• Read and read again—"Focus on the very best erotic fiction that you enjoy and adopt the very best practices that these writers use."
• Keep it real—"If all the sex is 'mind-blowing' and 'blows the socks off' the main protagonists, the reader will soon get tired of the characters and the plot development."